Cozy and comforting, our simple fall Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktails are the perfect bourbon cider drink with their blend of warm apple cider, sliced apple, bourbon, and spices for your October gatherings.
Your guests will love this simple apple cider drink that's perfect for fall and autumn.
Note: This fall cider bourbon cocktail is intended for readers 21 and up; please enjoy responsibly.
Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Our bourbon and cider drink has smooth caramel notes from the bourbon, combined with tart slices of oranges to create a complex and delicious flavor combination that pairs perfectly during evenings by the fire side.
This warm cocktail is made with bourbon and apple cider (or juice) and it's the perfect easy-to-make fall harvest drinks for October festivities.
Combining some of the best fall flavors - apple cider, spices, and bourbon - this easy bourbon and apple cider beverage will have guests raving about its beautiful presentation, sweet apple flavor, and smooth bourbon richness.
- Easy to make. Make this cocktail by simply mixing apple cider with some bourbon, and then warming up in a Dutch oven, or even a crockpot.
- Great flavors. Simmered sweet apple cider (or apple juice), bourbon, with cinnamon make this bourbon and cider cocktail a great seasonal punch to serve when hosting gatherings.
- Versatile. Apple juice is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and mocktail style.
- Festive. Perfect bourbon apple cider drinks to serve during September and October fall Oktoberfest events, or any cold or chilly fall day.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- Ingredients To Make This Bourbon Apple Cider Drink
- How to Make Cocktails With Bourbon and Apple Cider
- Kelly's Recipe Notes
- Cider Cocktail Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Substitutions
- Variations When Making Apple Cider Drinks
- Equipment
- Storage Options
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Delish Ideas
- Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients To Make This Bourbon Apple Cider Drink
With just a few simple ingredients, you don’t need to be a master mixologist to create this warm cocktail. Get ready for compliments on what's sure to be an unforgettable drink to serve at your gathering!
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice - Regular bottled apple juice in the grocery aisle is fine also.
- Cinnamon - about 3" - 4" lengths. You will need one for each mug, plus 3 for the simmering pot. You can also garnish with fresh cranberries, sliced oranges, lemons, or sprigs of fresh rosemary.
- Cloves - Use whole cloves but remove them from the sauce pan after about 30 minutes.
- Orange - Sliced, any variety of orange will work, even tangerines, limes, or mandarins.
- Apples - Aim for green, red, and mixed colored apples for a variety of color. One of each is perfect. My favorite variety of apple is Cosmic Crisp.
- Bourbon - Get a good barrel aged bourbon, as it is smoother. Get whatever brand you prefer or love.
- Honey - Optional, if you like your cocktail sweeter, you can add a little honey also.
- Garnishes - A cinnamon stick for each drink, or fresh cranberries.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions for this fall cocktail are in the printable card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cocktails With Bourbon and Apple Cider
Perfect for any gathering - whether it be an intimate dinner with friends or a more extravagant party - this warm cider cocktail is sure to delight! Cider, apple slices, bourbon, and cinnamon make this fall cocktail tart yet sweet.
To make a mocktail version of this apple cider bourbon drink, simply omit the alcohol. You can also add a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist.
Prepare The Apple and Orange Slices
- Cut the orange into slices. Core and slice the apples.
Simmer Apple Cider, Fruit, and Cinnamon
- Place the apple cider or apple juice, spices, orange slices, and cut apple slices into a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Mix and Serve The Apple Cider Cocktail
- Remove the pot from heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the apple and orange slices, as well as the spices.
- Stir in the bourbon, and serve this spirited cider cocktail in mugs. Garnish with thin fruit slices. Serve immediately with a garnish of sliced fruit, fresh cranberries, or a fresh herb sprig.
PRO TIP: You can also make this fall themed bourbon and cider cocktail in a crockpot also. Add the cider, spices, and fruit and set on the high setting for 2 hours. Lift the cooked sliced fruit and spices out with a slotted spoon. Add the bourbon and stir. Serve immediately, garnishing with fruit slices or a few cranberries.
Kelly's Recipe Notes
I love this spirited fall harvest themed beverage cold or warmed while sitting out on the deck on early autumn evenings.
Refreshing, warming, and not too sweet, it's the perfect Oktoberfest party drink to serve, and you can make it mocktail style for the kids as well.
It's almost as fun as autumn apple bobbing!
Cider Cocktail Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this delightful autumn-inspired cocktail with friends or family during the fall festive season with a few appetizers or grilled dinner. Warm bourbon and apple cider will help warm cold hands while enjoying the fading warmth of the day.
This warming apple cider beverage is perfect for an outdoor marshmallow roast, an evening by the fire, or even to adult Christmas carolers. A warming mug of spiced cider will warm them up from the inside out.
You'll want to add these perfect cider drinks to your favorite cocktail drink list! For more cocktail recipes:
- Grasshopper Martini
- Bacardi Rum Punch
- Cranberry Mimosa
- Gingerbeer Mocktails (Virgin Moscow Mule)
- Winter Wassail drinks
Related Recipes
Substitutions
- If you are feeling REALLY adventurous, you can use hard cider in this apple cider or juice drink.
- Make this a cider mocktail simply by omitting the bourbon.
- For mocktails, try adding ½ teaspoon of rum flavoring if you want a little more flavor in this cider bourbon mocktail.
- Enjoy playing around with various ingredients to create your own cider based cocktail recipes.
- You can use cinnamon syrup or cinnamon whiskey for great spice flavor.
Variations When Making Apple Cider Drinks
Some great flavor variations when making this delightfully warm apple cider cocktail:
- Add some fresh cranberries to the simmering pot of cider, and garnish the mugs before serving.
- Sliced pears pair well with if you prefer them to citrus fruits in this cider drink.
- Don't be afraid to experiment to make your own unique apple cider bourbon cocktail recipe when making this drink. Try adding spices like nutmeg,or star anise to your cocktail. You can also add other fruits, such as cranberries or pears.
- Garnish with citrus or fruit slices, or sprigs of rosemary.
- You can substitute whiskey, rum, or bourbon whiskey for the booze.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how cocktail recipes turns out. You can make a family size batch of this perfect apple cider cocktail, using a crockpot, or make just enough for two on the stove top using a sauce pan.
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Storage Options
Equipment can have a big impact on how cocktail recipes turns out. You can make a family size batch of this perfect apple cider cocktail, using a crockpot, or make just enough for two on the stove top using a sauce pan.
Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips for making and serving this warmed bourbon apple cider cocktail:
- Using a crockpot allows lets you make larger a larger batch of cider ahead of time when you're preparing for a party.
- Don't leave the spices in the simmering cider for more than 30 minutes, as they will slowly turn the cider mixture a little bitter over time.
- You can use hard cider, regular cider, or juice when making this bourbon and cider drink.
- Instead of bourbon, you can use whiskey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a great idea is to pour any leftover cocktail mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Store the frozen spiced cider cocktail cubes in a freezer bag. Pull a few cider ice cubes out and pop into a glass of sparkling wine or water for a great summer cooler drink when the weather warms up again.
The best bourbon is the one you like! Bourbon and apple cider pair well together, so you'll want to choose a brand that you enjoy. A few popular choices include Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, Basil Hayden's, and Maker's Mark.
This Apple cider and bourbon cocktail can be served chilled or warm. To serve chilled, simply pour the cocktail over ice-filled glasses. To serve warm, heat the apple cider in a saucepan over low heat until it is warmed through. Then, stir the apple cider into the bourbon and serve immediately.
More Delish Ideas
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 64 oz Apple Cider or juice
- 6 Cinnamon sticks about 3" long
- 12 Cloves whole
- 4 Apples varied colors, cored and sliced - skins on
- 2 Oranges Sliced into thin circles, peels left on
- 2 cups Bourbon
- 2 Apples extra to garnish each mug
- Honey optional, use to taste if you want a sweeter cocktail
Instructions
- Cut the fruit into slices. Core and slice the apples.4 Apples, 2 Oranges
- Place the cider or juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and cut apples into a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.64 oz Apple Cider, 12 Cloves, 6 Cinnamon sticks
- Remove the pot from heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the pieces of cooked fruit and spices. Stir in the bourbon, and serve this cocktail in mugs. Garnish with thin apple wedge slices. Add honey to taste if desired. Serve immediately.2 cups Bourbon, 2 Apples, Honey
Notes
- Using a crockpot allows your bourbon and apple cocktail to stay warm for an extended duration during a party.
- Do not leave the spices in the simmering pot for more than 30 minutes, as they will slowly turn the apple cider a little bitter over time.
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